The frozen war was a drawn out battle between Luskan and the Lords Alliance that lasted 26 years. It resulted in the annexation of Luskan, and also an increase in the reputation of the Guild of the Eternal Flame.
"As if the gods themselves were mocking our ambitions, winter arrived earlier than expected, tightening its icy grip upon the battlefield. The sudden onset of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall created treacherous conditions that not only impeded our movements but also resulted in a high number of casualties due to frostbite and exposure. The biting cold proved a formidable adversary, rivaling even the staunchest defenders of Luskan.
Though the campaign has turned into a frozen war, a term both literal and metaphorical, we shall not falter. We will adapt, we will endure, and we will emerge victorious, bringing Luskan to its knees and putting an end to their piracy once and for all." - Commander Alric Stormborne's Battle Report, Early 1527
The Conflict
Prelude
The city of Luskan was renowned for its shipbuilding (hence it's name the city of sails). As the farthest northern point where the sea doesn't freeze over each winter, it's an exceedingly important strategic location. Moreover, it's flanked by the spines (an icy mountain range) to the North, and the perilous river Mirar in the south. Both those features make it exceedingly easy to defend, from icy beasts to the North or angry neighbours to the south.
This geographic islolation led to their government enacting a policy of unrestricted piracy against ships of the Lords Alliance, as they believed they were untouchable.
An additional motivation for the war is that the mines at Axeholm and Phandalin had started to reach a saturation point, and couldn't provide the additional raw material needed in Neverwinter. The issue is that venturing any farther East was difficult due to the presence of raiding orcs, goblins and bandits. Moving cargo by sea was very tempting. Luskan, through their piracy, blocked the sea routes. Not that it mattered anyway, as Axeholm and Phandalin are landlocked. If Luskan itself was under the control of the Lords Alliance, though, then Luskar iron could be shipped safely by sea to Neverwinter. This would solve the supply and logistics issues in one fell swoop.
The Neveren military deployed immediately, with 5000 men. 200 Eldritch knights from the Guild of the Eternal Flame were deployed as well, but rarely used.
As the name implies, the conditions were bitingly cold. War was declared in late spring, with the hope of an easy, quick victory. But the troops were slow and delayed heading north. They were easily picked off by Luskar raiders, and by the time they arrived in earnest, winter had come 4 weeks early.
Increase in standing for the Guild of the Eternal Flame
They can now participate in the royal contest, and can request meetings with councillors at will.
Adaptations in Neveren military strategy. Their industrial capacity and vast population allow them to win most wars of attrition.
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